Mali faces security crisis after minister killed and key northern town captured by rebels
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Mali's military rulers are confronting a security crisis following coordinated nationwide attacks by jihadist fighters and separatist rebels. These attacks resulted in the death of the defense minister and the reported capture of a key northern town by rebels. There has been no public statement or sighting of junta leader General Assimi Goita since the offensive began. The synchronized attacks by the Azawad Liberation Front coalition and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims targeted multiple areas across the country. Analysts consider these attacks the most significant challenge to Mali's rulers since the March 2012 offensive. Defense Minister Sadio Camara, along with his second wife and two grandchildren, died in a car bomb attack on his home in Kati. A government statement confirmed Camara's death while fighting attackers and announced a national funeral. Fighting continued in several areas, including Kati, Kidal, Gao, and Sevare. Tuareg rebels claimed Kidal was "totally" under their control after an agreement allowing Russian Africa Corps forces to withdraw. The FLA also stated it had taken positions in the Gao region. These attacks are the worst since the junta seized power in 2020. The international airport near Bamako resumed operations after heavy fighting. The opposition Coalition of Forces for the Republic stated that Mali is "in danger." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the violence and called for international support. The European Union al
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